I consider my art as contemporary abstract. I feel that art does not need to look realistic to be considered a work of art. I like to work with color and space to make my work flow, and move the paper or canvas so paint or ink can flow and move on its own to create a unique piece. Color is often the focus, and what the viewer sees depends on their experience and how the piece makes them feel.

Please tell us about your first experience creating.

The first time I really remember “creating” was when I was in college. I was working on a painting for a class, and something clicked in my brain at that moment. All of the sudden I got it, and went from doing a project for class to creating a work of art.

What music do you like to have playing while creating art?

The type of music I listen to depends on my mood and what I am creating at that time. If creating a large abstract piece I like to listen and work to fast paced music. If drawing or in a calm mood while working I listen to slower calm music.

If you have a job besides being an artist, can you tell us about it?

I have been an art teacher for 10 years. In those years I have taught every grade level, but love working with high school students the most. I am currently the head of the art department for my school, and teach a variety of grade levels. My love of art is what inspired me to go back to school to be an art teacher.

What are you trying to convey to viewers through your art?

I want to show people that art does not necessarily have to be a picture of something they recognize. It can be colorful and thought provoking. Art does not have to match your couch, but make you see something in nothing specific. The best feeling to me is when someone looks at my painting and see’s one thing, while another person see’s something different.

Tell us about your creative process, from the beginning of a typical piece to its completion:

It does not matter what I am creating, my process is usually the same; I first stare at what I am going to create, and after a few moments of staring at it I begin to look through colors. I line the colors and start to play a sort of mix and match game to see what I like together and what I think does not work. Once I get my colors figured out I begin to create. I often make, redo, make again, and add. I love to use color, and to see how different colors work together to create different effects. Once I feel I have finished I set the piece aside for a few days, then come back to it and edit and fix as needed.

What things inspire you to create art?

I like to get inspiration from a variety of places: other artists such as Rothko Pollock, Frankenthaler, magazines, my own children, and everyday objects around my house.

Have you sold any of your artworks?

I have sold a variety of pieces through a local art gallery, had two commissioned works in the last year by local people, and sold three pieces to Bryan community hospital for their permanent collection.

How do you promote your art on the internet?

Tell us about influences.

I have two major influences in my life. The first is my high school art teacher. I was never the best art students, but I worked hard and did the best I could. She displayed my work in the school art show one year, and showed me I have the potential in art. The second is a college professor I had. He was always giving me advice and helping me to become a better painter. I thrived in his class until the day he gave me a “B” on one of my paintings. I asked him why and he said “There is no such thing as a perfect artist”. I will never forget the lesson he taught me.

Please recommend another artist you admire, and tell us a little about them:

I admire a local glass artist named Bill McKinney. Though the path has not always been easy for him, he had the courage to do what he loves. Being a glass artists and studio owner is the only thing he knows because he had faith in himself to do it.

Tell us something interesting in your life.

I have travelled to a variety of countries: Canada, Mexico, Bahamas, Jamaica, Spain, Italy, France, Greece, and Turkey. Out of all of my travels I would have to say Italy was my favorite. If I could live there I would. It has amazing culture, art, and food.

Do you have an embarrassing moment in your life?

Who doesn’t have embarrassing moments in their life? I cannot pin point one to define who I am, but so many that make able to laugh at myself.

If you could live your life over again, would there be anything you would do differently?

The only thing I would do differently is to try and promote my artwork sooner. I wish I would have been brave enough in my younger years to put my things “out there”.

What plans do you have for the future of your art?

My dream would be to have a gallery show in a major city. I would also like to find someplace/someone to help me promote my work so I can sell and show what I have to people in different parts of the country.

Do you have any good advice for emerging artists?

Though I am an emerging artist the one bit of advice I have is to not be afraid to put your work out there. I am just now making that leap, and wish I would have long ago.